You met a buyer on a website that sells cars online. After that, you filled out a document and said goodbye to your automobile. Eventually, you find out that the money was never received. The buyer used a fictitious identity. He has switched off his phone and the car is no longer with you. If you are not alert, then the online world will be filled with traps for you. So, the next step is to look at the peculiar yet clever methods to not get swindled.
Add a Micro Signature
When sharing photos of your V5C, it is advisable to use a watermark that is not very obvious. In simpler terms, place your initials and the date in the corner. By adding your initials to the V5C images, you are preventing the scammers from taking your documents and using them again on the internet. It also makes the fraudsters think twice before using your material again.
The advice for preventing online car sale scams suggests that you should never post complete scans of your logbook online. Additionally, be sure to cover your address and to keep serial numbers invisible. Only show a little bit of the necessary parts if the buyers ask for a preview. Furthermore, let them see the physical copies only during the transaction. Consequently, you can keep the critical details secret till the end of your car-selling timeline.
Verify the Buyer’s Number Through VoIP Check Tools
Not all phone numbers are legit. Some scammers use VoIP numbers that mimic local UK lines. However, they are routed overseas. You can use online tools to check if the number is suspicious. If the internet flags it, ask for another contact method.
Fraudsters often avoid speaking on the phone. Therefore, try requesting a quick video chat. If they refuse, it is because they’re hiding something. Use VoIP lookup tools to detect fake phone numbers often used in online car sale scams across the UK.
Always Google the Buyer Details
Before you go on, do a quick Google search. You should search for either the buyer’s name, email address, or phone number. It is amazing how frequently con artists use the same identity again and again. So you might see posts and notices about the negative experiences. The indication of a red flag always means that a professional fraudster is at work.
Websites can take just a couple of minutes to unmask someone trying to trick you. If the buyer becomes defensive when you question them, then just back off. UK buyers will not mind a fast search during a car sale if it ensures the safety of both parties.
Include Hidden GPS Until Payment Clears
Think about putting a basic GPS tracker in the car with the condition that the payment completely clears first. There are inexpensive trackers available online that display real-time positions. A budget-friendly GPS tracker facilitates the recovery of your car in case the buyer disappears with the payment not yet cleared completely.
A large number of fraudsters do transactions with stolen cards or they delay getting the payment for days. If one of those scenarios occurs, your GPS will quickly point to the car’s location. You can then inform the police before it is disassembled or sent out of the country. Finally, take out the tracker after you have made a profit from selling the car.
Use Verified Escrow Services
For high-end vehicles, it is advisable to utilize a reliable UK escrow service. The buyer directs the money to a reputed intermediary. After that, you deliver the vehicle as soon as the money is confirmed. It installs a secure intermediary between the two parties. Besides that, it blocks chargebacks or fake online payments.
By all means, transact only on platforms, which are recommended by the UK’s trade associations or banks. Do not click on links that are sent by the buyer, since scammers create fake escrow websites to entice you. Therefore, in addition to the Companies House number, do your own search for the escrow service. Being aware of online car sale scam prevention measures not only safeguards you against risks but also gives you legal protection later.
Use a Disposable Number for Listings
First of all, don’t ever give away your cell number. Scammers are capable of keeping it and using it for their criminal activities later on. One of their ways of ruining your name is through fake listings or illicit loan applications. Hence, get yourself a temporary UK number that is free of charge. In addition, get rid of it after the transaction is done.
If a person begins to message you incessantly that is normally a signal. Actual buyers will be considerate regarding the timing and communication. A throwaway phone number is the barrier that lies between the scammers and your personal information after you have sold your vehicle.
Avoid Clickable Links
avoid clicking any links that the buyer sends. They might say payment portal or insurance check. In short, only use sites you typed in yourself. In other words, never trust any link sent via message or email.
Hover over links before opening them and see where they lead. Some mimic www.gov.uk or bank portals. However, there are usually tiny spelling errors. Use free tools to verify links. If the buyer insists you click something, it is better to walk away. When selling car UK buyers will understand and follow safe online steps.
Watch for Overpayment
There are scammers who act like they are going to pay more than the actual price and then ask for a speedy refund. The original check, unfortunately, bounces, and thus, you lose the refund. Therefore, always reject the payment that is more than what is due. The frauds related to overpayment are always by cheques. Hence, do not consent to a refund until the bank has confirmed that the money has been cleared.
In addition, do not take cheques drawn on paper from buyers you do not know. Cheques that appear to be authentic can, nonetheless, be a part of a fraudulent scheme. So if you have to, then contact the bank first to verify. Use only secure methods of payment. The release of the car should be after your account shows money that has been confirmed with no pending status.
Write a Simple Sale Receipt with Photo Proof
Would you mind giving me the signatures of both seller and buyer? Give me a simple sales receipt with certain details that should contain names, car registration, date, and method of payment. Afterwards, grab a picture with John Seller in which you both hold the mentioned receipt featuring the smiling faces of you both. By having a basic sale receipt with a buyer photo, you gain legal protection about the transaction in correspondence with the time of it.
Make sure you transfer the car in the DVLA online system immediately. This also takes a few minutes, but you ensure that the vehicle is in no way your responsibility. Whenever it is so, one won’t land himself/herself in any penalties or about to face the preceding repercussions of ones owned. Make sure that UK car owners stamp their time before sale. The date of the ownership can at this stage be noted on the printed sales.
Keep yourself Safe!
Themselves through the right tips. Clear communication, coupled with digital tools, is the way to go for a secure sale. Always be patient and verify each detail. Last but not least, always go with your gut feeling since it’s your vehicle. Hence, dictate the terms of the sale. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out through our email hello@sellmycartoday.uk.